Net Garden Trellis

So, off you go to pick out a new trellis for your garden. And, now that you're back from the home and garden store you can lie down to recover from the prices you saw. When you recuperate you'll be happy to know that there's a really inexpensive and unusual trellis that you'll enjoy displaying in your garden. A net trellis is so simple to make and really easy to set up.

A net-type material can be purchased at a fabric store but you can also buy a net online. The best net is a fairly lightweight one with large holes in the grid. A small-diameter cord rope is much more appropriate than a large-diameter rope net.

In addition to the net you'll need two long dowel rods. You'll find these at a large home improvement store. A good size for the dowels is ¾" to 1" in diameter. The dowels should be as long as you want the trellis to be tall. Don't forget to add a few inches for inserting the dowels into the ground. If you have no way to cut the dowels at home the store will likely cut them for you at no charge.

Cut the net to be as long as you want the trellis to be wide. Cut the width to be whatever size you want. For example, if you want half of the poles to show, and the other half to be net, cut it like that. Or, if you want most of the poles to be covered, cut the cloth to be much wider. Whatever width you arrive at, add 2-¼" to that measurement.

At the ends of the net, create pockets for the poles. Fold one end over an inch (or less if you're using a dowel smaller than an inch in diameter) and sew straight down to create a pocket. Across the top of the pocket, sew the opening shut. Do the same thing to the other side.

Outside, make a hole in the ground with a screwdriver or other implement, and tap the dowel into the hole. Do the same to the other pole, making sure you space the two rods so that the net will be taut between them.

Plant climbing flowers at the bases of the poles and, as they grow, they'll not only climb up the poles, but across the net as well. It's a beautiful arrangement and super easy to create.